Rugby League World Cup 2026

Join us in Australia and Papua New Guinea this October-November.

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 (RLWC 2026) is shaping up to be one of the biggest global rugby league events ever staged. Designed as a replacement tournament for the postponed 2025 edition, this multi-format championship will bring together the best men’s, women’s, and wheelchair teams from across the world.

With matches hosted across Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, fans can expect world-class action, electric stadium atmospheres, and a celebration of rugby league culture on a global stage.

🏆 Overview of RLWC 2026

The RLWC 2026 is not just a single tournament—it’s a collection of three world cups running alongside each other:

Men’s Tournament: 10 teams
Women’s Tournament: 8 teams
Wheelchair Tournament: 8 teams
Total Matches: 52
Host Nations: Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea

This format ensures inclusivity and showcases the growth of rugby league worldwide, making RLWC 2026 a landmark event in the sport’s history.

🌍 Host Countries & Venues

The tournament will span multiple iconic venues across three nations:

Australia: Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Newcastle, Gold Coast, Wollongong, Townsville
New Zealand: Christchurch
Papua New Guinea: Port Moresby

Major stadiums include:

Allianz Stadium (Sydney)
Suncorp Stadium (Brisbane)
CommBank Stadium (Sydney)
HBF Park (Perth)
Santos National Football Stadium (Port Moresby)

These venues are known for hosting high-profile rugby league clashes and promise packed crowds and thrilling atmospheres.

📅 RLWC 2026 Full Schedule (Men’s Tournament Highlights)

Here’s a clean and structured schedule overview of key matches:

🔹 Round 1

Thursday, October 15

Australia vs New Zealand – Allianz Stadium, Sydney – 2:35 PM

Friday, October 16

Samoa vs France – CommBank Stadium, Sydney – 12:15 PM

Saturday, October 17

Papua New Guinea vs Lebanon – Port Moresby – 9:55 AM
England vs Tonga – Perth – 2:35 PM

Sunday, October 18

Fiji vs Cook Islands – Newcastle – 10:35 AM

🔹 Round 2

Friday, October 23

Tonga vs Lebanon – Sydney – 2:35 PM

Saturday, October 24

Papua New Guinea vs Samoa – Port Moresby – 9:55 AM
England vs France – Perth – 12:05 PM

Sunday, October 25

New Zealand vs Cook Islands – Christchurch – 10:35 AM
Australia vs Fiji – Brisbane – 2:35 PM

🔹 Round 3

Friday, October 30

England vs Papua New Guinea – Wollongong – 2:35 PM

Saturday, October 31

New Zealand vs Fiji – Gold Coast – 10:15 AM
Australia vs Cook Islands – Townsville – 2:35 PM

Sunday, November 1

Lebanon vs France – Sydney – 12:20 PM
Tonga vs Samoa – Sydney – 2:35 PM

🔹 Knockout Stage

Semi-Finals

November 7 – Newcastle
November 8 – Sydney

Final

November 15 – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane – 2:05 PM

🏉 Teams to Watch

The RLWC 2026 lineup features some of the strongest rugby league nations:

⭐ Top Contenders

Australia – Defending powerhouse with elite NRL stars
New Zealand – Tactical and physical dominance
England – Strong European contender

🔥 Rising Teams

Samoa – Rapidly improving with international talent
Tonga – Passionate and unpredictable
Papua New Guinea – Strong home advantage

🌏 Other Teams

Fiji
France
Lebanon
Cook Islands

This mix ensures a competitive and unpredictable tournament.

📺 RLWC 2026 Live Stream & Broadcasting

Fans worldwide can watch RLWC 2026 through official broadcasters:

📡 Official Broadcasters

Australia: Seven Network (Free-to-air)
- Coverage: All men’s, women’s, and wheelchair matches
New Zealand: Sky Sport (Subscription)
- Coverage: Full tournament access

🌐 Streaming Options

Official apps and broadcaster platforms
Smart TVs, mobile devices, and web streaming
Potential international partners (to be confirmed closer to the event)

For the best experience, fans should check local listings and official apps before kickoff.

🎟️ RLWC 2026 Tickets – Complete Booking Guide

Getting tickets early is crucial, especially for high-demand matches like the opening game and final.

🛒 Where to Buy Tickets

Tickets will be available through the official platform:

👉 Ticketmaster (Australia portal: ticketmaster.com.au)

🧾 Step-by-Step Ticket Booking Guide

1️⃣ Visit the Official Website

Go to ticketmaster.com.au and search:
👉 “Rugby League World Cup 2026”

2️⃣ Choose Your Match

Browse matches by:

Date
Team
Venue

Select your preferred fixture (e.g., Australia vs New Zealand).

3️⃣ Select Seats

You’ll see stadium seating options:

General admission
Reserved seating
Premium/VIP areas

Choose based on your budget and view preference.

4️⃣ Create or Log In to Account

5️⃣ Payment Process

Complete your booking using:

Credit/Debit cards
Digital wallets (depending on availability)

6️⃣ Receive Tickets

Tickets will be delivered via:

Mobile app (recommended)
Email confirmation

💡 Ticket Tips

🎯 Book early for big matches
💸 Look for early-bird discounts
👨‍👩‍👧 Family packages may be available
🔄 Check resale options if sold out

✈️ Travel & Matchday Experience

Fans traveling to RLWC 2026 can expect:

Easy transport links between venues
Vibrant fan zones and entertainment areas
Local food, culture, and rugby celebrations

Countries like Australia and New Zealand are known for their world-class sporting infrastructure, ensuring a smooth experience for visitors.

🔥 Why RLWC 2026 Will Be Special

First major multi-nation rugby league event in the region
Equal spotlight on men’s, women’s, and wheelchair competitions
Strong global audience and media coverage
Competitive balance with emerging nations

This tournament is expected to grow rugby league’s global reach and deliver unforgettable moments.

📌 Final Thoughts

The Rugby League World Cup 2026 promises thrilling action, passionate fans, and elite-level competition across three nations. From the opening clash to the grand final in Brisbane, every match will carry intensity and excitement.

Whether you’re planning to watch live in the stadium or stream from home, RLWC 2026 is an event no rugby league fan should miss.